Masque facial anthropomorphe ·  Nigéria, Urhobo · ID: 3051037

Description

wood, pigments, metal, rest., base

Urhobo masks are associated with water and earth spirits who are responsible for the well-being of the community.

This mask is associated with “ohworhu”, a powerful female water spirit. Once every decade, a large mask festival is held in honour of “ohworhu”, during which different masks appear on two days.

According to Foss, this mask represents a bride of the Urhobo, called “opha”. The hairstyle with horn-like extensions is intended to reflect the young girls’ elaborate coiffures when they are presented to the village community. Their appearance emphasises the powerful role played by the water spirits as protectors of the young women (Foss, 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68).

L’objet Masque facial anthropomorphe avec l’ID d’objet 3051037 a fait partie de l’enchère Vente aux enchères 103 en 16 novembre 2024 pour la dernière fois le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes et avait le numéro de lot 186.

Vous trouverez d’autres Masques et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.

Littérature comparée

Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68

Publications

Cole, Herbert M., & Dierk Dierking (ed.), "Invention and Tradition", Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 156, ill. 65

AHDRC: 0142746

Exposition

Wuppertal, Germany: "Sculptures and Masks from Nigeria", Tony Cragg Foundation, 2012